Stainless cable terminal failure

[Hank Jarrett]

I saw this on another group and honestly don't know if AN669 or MS21260 cable ends are used anywhere on any Taylorcraft models. The failure was in Australia and a copy of the Airworthiness Bulletin is available at

http://www.casa.gov.au/wcmswr/_assets/main/airworth/awb/27/001.pdf

Even if these specific fittings aren't used in our planes it would probably be a good idea to look at any similar ones when we are in the area. The failure looks pretty scary since only a tiny pit in a 303 stainless part could cause total failure of the part and potential loss of control.
Anyone seen one of these in a Taylorcraft? Anyone using 303 stainless cable fittings?
This is NOT a US requirement, but if these are used in Taylorcrafts we might want to get in front of it. If we are sure there AREN'T any in Taylorcrafts, again, it is good to be in front. We don't need any new ADs.
Hank

[Guest]

Re: Stainless cable terminal failure

I have seen them in Champ trim systems but not in T-crafts

[flyguy]

Re: Stainless cable terminal failure

Crimping stainless steel....is that what you would call a good idea? To get stainless you add chromium to steel. Makes it rust resistant, hard, and ......
DC

[astjp2]

Re: Stainless cable terminal failure

That cable end was installed under a LOT of tension, not really an issue in a Taylorcraft with proper rigging. If our cables were installed as tight as that one when it failed, our wings would look like a bow and arrow! I have installed many of them when I had access to the proper swager. Its not a cheap swager, about $8K, and if they AD them, there will be more than just our aircraft involved. Most Cessna's, and anything that has been built since 1960 can use them. I am not going to worry about this....Tim

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Stainless cable terminal failure

I'm not "worried" about them either. I worry about the FAA jumping in and saying we have to inspect for them. If we can definitively sate they are not use in out planes we can shut down some insanity before it grounds anyone's plane.
Hank